It's a new year, which means its' time to wipe the slate clean. Based on my forecast, 2018's first weekend is set to be way down from the first weekend of 2017.
Here is my predicted Top 10:
#1: Jumanji - Welcome to the Jungle ($25 million, -50%)
It was very close last weekend, but its' pretty likely that Jumanji will edge out the top spot this weekend. The domestic gross will soar well past $200 million this weekend, with this number likely being matched next weekend for the extended MLK, Jr. holiday.
#2: Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($23 million, -56%)
The mixed word-of-mouth plus majority of fans getting to see it over break guarantees a drop over 50% for the middle chapter of this trilogy. But Last Jedi will easily play at least through the beginning of February.
#3: Insidious: The Last Key ($15 million)
Horror flicks usually kick off the year. Marketing for the fourth Insidious movie has been very strong this week (the previous Insidious: Chapter 3 opened to $23 million back in June 2015). Reviews are not out yet, so that won't be a factor heading into this weekend. I think this is set to open in line with recent January horror films, such as The Woman in Black 2 ($15 million) and The Forest ($13 million).
#4: The Greatest Showman ($9.5 million, -39%)
Strong word-of-mouth and excellent exit polling should result in a strong (for this time of year) hold for the Hugh Jackman musical.
#5: Pitch Perfect 3 ($8 million, -52%)
The final installment in the Bellas trilogy has proven to be surprisingly front-loaded. That probably won't change this weekend.
#6: Ferdinand ($5.5 million, -52%)
With Christmas break passing, it's pretty likely this will fall back down to earth as kids are in school.
#7: Darkest Hour ($4.5 million, -17%)
Slowly expanding nationwide, the Winston Churchill biopic should have one of the strongest holds this weekend.
#8: Coco ($3.5 million, -53%)
Same reason as Ferdinand.
#9: All the Money in the World ($3 million, -46%)
Adult-oriented films should have the stronger holds of the bunch.
#10: The Shape of Water ($2.8 million, -20%)
After being nominated for multiple Golden Globe awards (the ceremony is on Sunday), the Guillermo Del Toro fantasy thriller should hold very strong this weekend (it was in 11th place last weekend).
